Safe School Climate Seminar Scheduled

A Safe School Climate Seminar for Newtown parents and residents will be held on Thursday, April 12, in Reed Intermediate School’s cafetorium.

The event is set to kick off at 7 pm and is scheduled to run until 8:15. Child care will be provided by the Newtown High School National Honor Society.

Topics that will be covered during the evening include an overview of the new Connecticut state law, Public Act No. 11-232, “an act concerning the strengthening of school bullying laws”; Newtown’s Safe School Climate Plan; Newtown’s Core Character Attributes; family educational rights; and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); reporting procedures; online resources; and how all the topics help to establish a safe school climate, kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Presenters for the evening will be Sandy Hook Elementary School Assistant Principal and Newtown Safe School Climate Coordinator Anthony Salvatore, Newtown High School psychologist Jennifer Hoag, and Newtown High School social worker Suzanne Tyler.

“It’s important for parents, residents, and community members to attend so that they understand the spirit of this new law as well as the letter of the law and how each relates to establishing a safe school climate, kindergarten through twelfth grade,” said Dr Salvatore this week.

People who plan to attend the event are asked to e-mail Dr Salvatore at salvatorea@newtown.k12.ct.us by April 9 with any questions they may have about safe school climate or bullying. The questions will be addressed during the seminar.

“People need to understand that everyone’s focus must be on improving relationships between and among students and adults in the community by demonstrating the six Newtown Core Character Attributes: perseverance, citizenship, caring, trustworthiness, responsibility, and respect, [as] outlined in the Safe School Climate Plan,” said Dr Salvatore.